Qatar 2022: When 'Viciously Angry' Portugal Legend Pepe Wanted to Retire After Crazy Red Card

• Portuguese defender Pepe is still putting in the hard yards at the centre of his nation's defence
• The 39-year-old continues to awe fans with his performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
• There was a time when he wanted to call it quits, after a 'disgraceful outburst of violence'

Portugal comfortably blanked Uruguay 2-0 in a crucial 2022 FIFA World Cup Group H tie, confirming their place in the Round of 16.

The defence of the Portuguese was in imperious form, leaving the Uruguayans at a loss for ideas while on the attack. Among them, Pepe was the most impressive - even at his advanced age.

The 39-year-old Pepe, playing in the place of the injured Danilo, became the second-oldest outfield player in the history of the World Cup behind Roger Milla, who was 42 when he turned out for Cameroon in Italy 1990.

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However, he might have not made it this far, had he gone through with a drastic decision he pondered in 2009. Pepe was banned for 10 matches after one of the most outrageous acts seen by a player in Real Madrid colours.

The Guardian reported that he conceded a late penalty against Getafe, before proceeding to kick Javi Casquero while he was on the floor and striking Juan Albin in the face.

Following his ban, he seriously considered retirement after his disgraceful acts, saying:

"If I have the opportunity to continue playing football, I'm going to try to do things in the best way possible. But if I feel that I'm not in the right state to return to playing, I will continue with my normal life and try to do something else to support my family."

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At the time, Pepe admitted he had been heavily affected by his actions and they had robbed him of desire to do anything at all. Instead, he vowed to wait to see what happened after the sanction.

However, he did not believe his entire career could be judged by a single action, although he ceded his deplorable conduct.

"I'm very sad and right now, I have no desire to get back to playing. Nobody knows how I feel. I'm depressed and I don't have the words to describe how I feel. The biggest punishment that I could receive is what I'm feeling now."

Club supports Fernandes over goal

The bad blood between Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo has continued, after the club's Twitter admin posted in support of Bruno Fernandes.

Debate rages on who scored Portugal's first goal against Uruguay between Ronaldo and Fernandes, and the Red Devils have taken their player's side.

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Sports Brief reported that the English club terminated CR7's contact after his explosive interview, during which he took shots at managers, owners and players.

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Portugal's opening goal generated much controversy, about who should be awarded the credit between Ronaldo and Fernandes.

As reported by Sports Brief, Ronaldo appeared to get a touch from Fernandes' cross, but the goal was later awarded to the Manchester United midfielder.

Media personality and CR7 friend, Morgan revealed the star texted him, claiming he did get a touch of the ball as it went into the net.